In the aftermath of the 2008 bankruptcy and the subsequent bailout, GM had shed half of its brands. Yet it still has the broadest range of models in its home market.
In the light of shifting market trends, though, CEO Mary Barra is determined to reshuffle the deck. “We have a broad portfolio. But how are we going to look at what are the right vehicles to put in the marketplace?” she told Autonews. “We’ll look at what makes sense and what will generate a return.”
She noted that the group has already pulled out of some segments in South America but declined to share any thoughts about the US. Best-sellers like the Cadillac Escalade, staple cars like the Corvette and Camaro and EVs and hybrids, such as the Volt, are safe.
Large sedans, on the other hand, are fast becoming an endangered species as have dropped by 8.4 percent in 2014 and by 16 percent ‘till the end of September. Analysts forecast that this particular segment is under threat since its becoming less and less profitable.
Does this mean that the Chevy Impala is in danger? Barra was non-committal: “The Impala has a role today,” she replied “But we’re going to be looking over the future and asking ‘What is its role in the future?’ and making that decision.”
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